Trey Hendrickson landing spots: Colts, Bears lead list of best fits as Bengals hold out begins

While expected, contract negotiations between star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson and the Bengals took a turn for the worse ahead of training camp.

With Cincinnati's veterans set to report to training camp on Tuesday, July 22, ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed speculation that Hendrickson would hold out and not report. Compounding the issues is an Instagram story Hendrickson posted from Florida just hours before Bengals camp began.

Now, Hendrickson's future with the franchise hangs in the balance as both sides seek a resolution to the contract dispute that has served as the backdrop to their offseason. Bengals owner Mike Brown maintained that "We are not going to trade Trey," but with each passing day, a trade seems like the best possible resolution.

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If Cincinnati goes back on its promise not to move Hendrickson, here are some teams that make sense for last year's sacks leader.

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Best trade fits for Trey Hendrickson

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts continue to get mentioned as a potential landing spot for Hendrickson, and understandably so.

Indianapolis' new defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo, spent the past six seasons as Cincinnati's defensive coordinator before being let go. That familiarity, coupled with Hendrickson's success in the defensive scheme, is hard to ignore.

The Colts are coming off an 8-9 season, and the franchise is looking to end a four-year playoff drought. In Year 3 of the Shane Steichen era, Indianapolis must do whatever it takes to return to the postseason.

A move for Hendrickson certainly fits that description.

Chicago Bears

Chicago finished with a 5-12 record last season, but it will be one of the trendier teams in 2025. With head coach Ben Johnson in tow, plenty of eyes will be on the Bears with the anticipation that they will make a leap in quarterback Caleb Williams' second year.

History has shown that one of the best ways to support a young QB is to build a strong force on the other side of the ball.

After recording just 40 sacks in 2024, Chicago's pass rush could use a boost. That should naturally improve with a new defensive coordinator in Dennis Allen calling the shots, but that makes this an even more appealing destination.

Before his time in Cincinnati, Hendrickson showed his first signs of greatness while working with Allen in New Orleans. Reunions are always in.

Green Bay Packers

The Packers are another team that could benefit from an improved pass rush after a solid season in 2024.

It's no secret that the NFC North is unforgiving, and Green Bay needs to do whatever it takes to keep up with Detroit and Minnesota while also fending off Chicago. Adding Hendrickson improves the Packers, a team that may have fewer financial hoops to jump through than others.

Green Bay may be something of a long shot, but it's a situation that makes sense.

Washington Commanders

In March, the Commanders were listed as the headliner among teams interested.

Washington recently inked 36-year-old Von Miller to address its need for a pass rush, but that doesn't necessarily mean that the Commanders wouldn't still be in on a potential Hendrickson deal.

With Jayden Daniels leading the way, Washington is arguably the hottest young team in the league. To build upon a standout season in 2024, the Commanders will need to make a big offseason splash, although they need to handle in-house negotiations with Terry McLaurin before making another deal.

MORE: Why Terry McLaurin may miss start of Commanders training camp

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are coming off an 8-9 season and are looking to return to the postseason for the first time since 2021. It's Year 3 under Jonathan Gannon, and they'll look to do whatever it takes to make the playoffs.

Arizona also has some financial flexibility and is going all-in on bolstering its front seven.

A move for Hendrickson could make the Cardinals a sneaky candidate to be competitive in the NFC West. With the talent in that division, Arizona needs to do whatever it can to keep up.